Hydrogen power is emerging as a promising technology in the automotive industry, with the potential to revolutionize transportation and reduce carbon emissions. While electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional oil-powered vehicles, national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc believes that hydrogen power still holds potential for future energy and mobility solutions.
PTT Plc aims to manufacture EVs locally this year through its subsidiary Arun Plus, in collaboration with Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Additionally, the company is working with other companies to produce hydrogen fuel, recognizing its potential in reducing air pollution.
Despite the challenges in commercial-scale hydrogen fuel production for cars, PTT’s chief of new business and infrastructure, Buranin Rattanasombat, believes in the viability of hydrogen. He explains that while batteries are currently more suitable for cars, hydrogen has already been successfully employed in larger vehicles like trucks and buses, as well as in some industrial plants.
Green hydrogen production, which involves splitting water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen using renewable energy, is expensive. To overcome cost hurdles, some countries may start with grey hydrogen derived from natural gas. Although this option is not ideal for carbon-reduction programs, it produces fewer emissions compared to hydrogen derived from coal.
Buranin points out that producing grey hydrogen is easier than manufacturing batteries for cars, which may explain the interest of Japanese corporations in hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen technology requires fewer adjustments in oil-powered engine technology, making it more appealing to automakers looking to transition from traditional engines.
The potential of hydrogen power in the automotive industry is evident in the efforts of major automakers like Toyota. These companies recognize hydrogen as a feasible solution for zero-emission transportation. Toyota has been a pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell technology, with their hydrogen-powered vehicles like the Mirai producing only water vapor emissions.
Toyota’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions is evident in their extensive investments in research and development to improve fuel cell performance, driving range, and price. With rapid refueling periods comparable to gasoline vehicles and impressive driving ranges, hydrogen vehicles could be a game-changer in the pursuit of zero-emission mobility.
As infrastructure for hydrogen power improves and costs decrease, hydrogen vehicles may soon enter the mainstream market, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a greener future. The potential for hydrogen power to transform the automotive industry is not only promising but also aligned with the global push for sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options.
